Update to NHS prescriptions - Richmond Clinical Commissioning Group

[AliceMumsnet]

Hello

We've been asked to comment on the report that Richmond Clinical Commissioning Group's decision to stop providing prescriptions for gluten free food, vitamin D maintenance and medicines which are available over the counter.

The suggested exemptions focus on vulnerable groups and include:
over 65s
under 16s
under 5s
refugees and asylum seekers (particularly in relation to children)
people currently receiving free prescriptions
people with a long term condition or disability

You can read more about the decision here and the report on the proposed changes is here.

Please let us know what you think - do you agree or disagree? Is there anything in particular that concerns you about this?

Thanks very much
MNHQ

Over the counter mess should be over the counter for all but people on low income have On my way! Sort of document which means they can get them free from pharmacy. However this needs to be recorded on a national system to stop people collecting free paracetamol every day and giving it to all their family.
People who need regular paracetamol should have a certificate from their gp saying they can buy bigger packs of it.
All of this will help stop people from seeing their gp with a sniffy nose and then being cross they have been told to buy paracetamol or saline drops rather than "real medicine"
Travel vaccines should not be on the NHS. International travel is on the whole a luxury. If you can afford a £600 flight them you should be able to pay from travel vaccinations. Also the current system where some are on the NHS and others private makes patients think the NHS ones are essential and the private ones optional where as the rationale for this is historic.
Gluten free foods should be off prescription and instead people with coeliac should have a card which entitles them to a certain quantity of gluten free food per month.
Under 5's should be exempt because it is important for gp,s to see sick babies as they can become very sick fast.